Record year for market

"It is a great accolade to our loyal customers and the commitment of our staff that we have achieved such remarkable stock throughput levels," commented Bernie Hutchinson, managing partner.

All sections throughout the market returned increased levels of trade and stock enabling Market Drayton to be ranked in the top five markets in the country for a single day throughput.

The over-30-month/barren cow market being a dedicated evening sale has established itself as probably the largest in the country, selling in excess of 9,000 cattle and towards the end of the year averaging 300 head per night.

Rob Lea, market manager and store/calf auctioneer, has certainly driven the store cattle section forward, selling over 8,000 cattle - a marked increase of over 21 per cent on the year.

One of the principal reasons that stores have done well is the fact that they are sold on the same day as our fat cattle, so farmers can sell fat and restock on the same day.

Also establishing a Saturday store sale during peak periods through spring and autumn has certainly drawn the numbers.

As Bernie explained: "At Market Drayton it is our principal aim to add value to stock, ensuring a fair and competitive trade and guaranteed payment, be it on the day, on a Wednesday, or within seven days for a Monday or Saturday sale.

"Service is also paramount, with our aim to take the hassle out of livestock marketing by reducing queues, quick payment, friendly service and our ability to adapt to farmers' needs.

"Market Drayton Livestock Market is trying to adopt a 'one-stop shop' to livestock marketing, offering fat and store stock sales all on the same day and under one roof.

"We are also keen to develop our rural hub environment, acknowledging the needs of the farmer and offering them access to other goods and services on the same day, from our own professional services clinic to vets to an insurance company."